Sensory chewing neck gaiter

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a neck gaiter having a chewing surface attached to a part of the neck gaiter. The gaiter is designed for individuals on the Autism Spectrum who chew objects to satisfy their self-stimulatory behavior needs. This is a form of self-stimulation can relieve anxiety, reduce fear and combat sensory overload. The gaiter is sized and proportioned to encompass the neck of the individual who will be wearing the gaiter. A chewing surface is attached to a central region of the gaiter. The chewing surface is made of non-toxic, tasteless material that does not erode during the chewing process, such rubber, plastic, silicone, a combination thereof. The chewing surface may comprise a plurality of indentations or protrusions to produce a textured surface.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of neck gaiters, specifically to neck gaiters having a therapeutic stimulatory surface, more specifically to neck gaiters designed to provide comfort to autistic individuals.

BACKGROUND

U.S. Ser. No. 10/588,828 discloses a teething scarf that includes a teething element coupled with the fabric sheet. The teething element includes a non-toxic material and being configured for use in easing pain associated with teething in infants. These teething elements are often positioned on the scarf such that when the scarf is worn and an infant is being held by the scarf wearer, the teething members are positioned at a level near the infant's mouth. The teething elements are typically detachable and movably positionable on the scarf to correspond to the position of the infant.

US20080167683 discloses a wearable teething device to aid in infant teething or pacifying the infant. The device may be worn around the neck or other body member of a parent or other individual caring for the infant. The device can take the form of a ring and may be worn as a necklace permitting the infant to chew or suck on the device while a parent is holding and caring for the infant. The device may be covered in a removable cloth and may had artifacts that are attached at various positions on the device. Again, the device is worn by the individual caring for the teething infant.

US20180078866 discloses a sensory stimulating developmental stuffed animal pacifier and teething toy. The device consists of a small stuffed animal with differing traits and features such as ears and tail to create a variety of animals with a pacifier, teething surfaces and a clip attachment to secure to the child to prevent loss. The stuffed animal is attached to the pacifier to form a teething toy is to be used independently by an infant and/or toddler and is imbued with sensory stimuli, a pacifier and teething surfaces and a clip to secure to child's clothing to prevent loss. This device must be manually located and the teething member inserted into the infant's mouth to exert its effects.

CA3039560 discloses a bib toy teething device. The bib toy teething device comprising: a flexible bib body having an upper portion comprising a collar for releasably securing about the neck of a child and a lower portion comprising a pair of parallel slits; a detachable toy comprising: a toy body; and a pair of straps attached to the toy body, the pair of straps comprising complimentary strap attachment means to secure the pair of parallel straps together through at least one of the pair of parallel slits; and a teether releasably attached to the detachable toy. In this particular device, the teether is removably attached to the bib.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,905,714 discloses a teething device for holding infant teething toys. The teething device is formed from a fabric square having secured to it fabric loops. One end of each loop is sewn to the fabric square and an opposite end of each loop is secured to cooperating Velcro™ hook and loop fasteners. An elongated narrow cloth leash extends from one corner of the fabric square. On one side, the leash has a pair of cooperating Velcro™ hook and loop fastening strips for securing the leash around the wrist of a child or to the frame of a stroller. Again, this device must be manually located and the teething element inserted into the infant's mouth to exert its effects.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,695,339 discloses a teething toy. The shape of the toy resembles a familiar object, such as a baby feeding battle. The teething toy provides features that provide oral gratification to young children, assists the development and growth of teeth through the gum tissue and by its shape and mass characteristics retains the interest of the child for retention of the teething toy. The teething toy has a circular ring handle or rectangular ring handle to assist in picking up and holding the device.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,442,759 discloses a multi-purpose baby bib. The multi-purpose baby bib includes a bib structure constructed from a moisture proof material layer and absorbent material front and back layers; the bib structure being constructed in a conventional reversible bib format having a neck opening defined by a pair of connecting members; the multi-purpose baby bib further including an accessory attachment strap attached to the bib structure at a first strap end and including a second strap end provided with a connecting mechanism for attaching accessories such as toys, rattles, pacifiers, and liquid filled chilled teethers. Again the accessories attached to strap must be manually located and the teething accessories inserted into the infant's mouth to exert its effects.

US20060041275 discloses infant clothing and accessories with permanent teething element. A teething strip, usually of non-toxic plastic, is attached by mechanical means to the baby's clothing within reach of the baby's mouth. When and if the infant drops the teething element, the element does not fall to the floor or otherwise out of the infant's reach. By permanently attaching a teething strip to children's clothing, this invention has the advantages of allowing easy and consistent access to soothe teething pain while at the same time preventing the loss of the teething unit, limiting the exposure of it being dropped onto unsanitary surfaces, eliminating the need to purchase additional teething items and providing a unique design that enhances any outfit. This device is intended as an embellishment to an existing item of clothing that again needs to be manipulated into an appropriate position for chewing by the baby.

US20090192547 discloses an infant chew toy. An infant chew toy apparatus includes an elongate handle and a flange or other lateral member disposed on the handle. The flange extends laterally from the handle. A protrusion is disposed on the flange. The protrusion may comprise a nipple, and may be oriented directionally opposite of and parallel to the handle. The flange may be disposed on an end of the handle, with another flange disposed on the opposite handle end. The apparatus is designed to make it convenient for infants to grip, chew, and pick up the apparatus, and portions of it may be constructed of suitably durable plastic or other material for teething purposes, with other portions constructed of softer material.

CA2734825 discloses a biologic response teether. The teether distorts in response to the biting pressure of the infant, and returns to the original shape. This anatomic structure of the jaw affects the functioning of the jaw as the infant ages. The inventive teether changes among the different designs reflect this gradual transition. Muscle activity is different during chewing, nipple attachment and rhythmic sucking.

US20140250558 discloses a baby teether bodysuit. The purpose of this invention relates to a combined garment having a bodysuit and bib with a teething collar integrated into the bib. A baby clothed in the garment and using the teething collar has the bib to wick away user saliva and other moisture. The teething collar may include a plurality of teething nubs made of nontoxic, tasteless material that does not erode during the teething process, such as but not limited to, rubber, plastic, silicone, a combination thereof and the like. The plurality of teething nubs may be configured to facilitate teething comfort.

All documents cited herein are incorporated by reference.

Numerous infant teething aids are known in the field, but they are essentially designed with the intention of relieving pain and discomfort during the teething period. None of the above cited documents, alone or in combination satisfy the need for neck gaiters having a therapeutic stimulatory surface, that are designed to provide comfort to autistic individuals.

BRIEF SUMMARY

It is an object of the invention to provide a sensory chewing neck gaiter.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention there is provided a neck gaiter comprising: a supporting body section, said body section consisting of an essentially, rectangular piece of material having a back surface, a front surface, an upper edge, a lower edge and opposing first and second ends; a first fastening means attached to said first end of said body section; a second fastening means attached to said second end of said body section; and a chewing surface attached to said upper edge of said body section.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of making a neck gaiter, said method comprising the steps: cutting an essentially rectangular piece of fabric, said rectangle having opposing lengths and opposing ends; attaching a chewing surface to one of said opposing lengths; and attaching a means of fastening to said opposing ends, wherein said opposing lengths of said rectangular piece of fabric is sized and proportioned to accommodate a neck of a wearer.

The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like elements are identified with like symbols.

To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

FIGS. 1A and B illustrate front and back aspects of the subject matter in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 2A and B illustrate front and back aspects of the subject matter in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 3A and B illustrate front and back aspects of the subject matter in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 4A and B illustrate an aspect of the subject matter in accordance with the construction of a prototype of an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 5A and B illustrate an aspect of the subject matter of a prototype constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates diagrammatically aspects of the proportions of the subject matter in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Devices and methods for carrying out the invention are presented in terms of embodiments depicted within the FIGS. However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and the configurations shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a neck gaiter having a chewing surface attached to a part of the neck gaiter. The sensory chewing neck gaiter may be made of a comfortable, and optionally absorbent, material such as cotton and the like. The gaiter is sized and proportioned to encompass the neck of the individual who will be wearing the gaiter. The gaiter may include lateral upper and lower edges, first and second ends and a means of fastening the ends together. A chewing surface is attached to a central region of the lateral upper edge. The chewing surface is made of non-toxic, tasteless material that does not erode during the chewing process, such as but not limited to, rubber, plastic, silicone, a combination thereof and the like. The chewing surface may comprise a plurality of indentations or protrusions to produce a textured surface.

This neck gaiter described herein is designed to meet the needs of children, and some adults, on the Autism Spectrum, or who have Asperger's syndrome, ADHD, or special needs. Many individuals having autism, Asperger's, ADHD, or who are fidgeters, and individuals having oral motor needs or other special needs, often chew or bite on non-edible objects such as toys or pencils or they like to suck shirt sleeves or bite jumpers. This is a form of self-stimulatory behavior, that can relieve anxiety, reduce fear and combat sensory overload. Many people exhibit self-stimulatory behaviors to some extent, such as nail biting, foot tapping and hair twirling. However, individuals with Autism exhibit more extreme and more frequent self-stimulatory behaviors that can impair their ability to interact with other people and participate in ordinary activities.

Chewing non-edible objects one of the more manageable forms of self-stimulatory behavior and has little impact on others. A major concern for parents of young children with Autism is what to chew or bite safely without risk of choking or poisoning. The neck gaiter device is designed to meet the needs of individuals who need to practice self-stimulatory behaviors, by allowing them to chew on a safe and non-toxic object.

The objects and advantages of the invention as described herein relate to a perfect natural way to calm, improve focus and also reduces fidgety tics.

The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out in the specification. The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be read in conjunction with both this summary, the detailed description and any preferred and/or particular embodiments specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

FIGS. 1A and B show front and back views of a neck gaiter embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1A illustrates a front surface 102 of a neck gaiter 104. The neck gaiter 104 has an upper edge 108 and lower edge 110, and a first end 118 and a second end 120. A first fastening member 112, such as a loop portion of a hook and loop type fastener such as a Velcro™ strip 122, is attached to the front surface 102 of the first end 118. A chewing surface 116 is attached to the central portion of the upper edge 108 of the neck gaiter 104. In this embodiment the chewing surface 116 is shown as being relatively smooth.

FIG. 1B illustrates a back surface 106 of a neck gaiter 104. The neck gaiter 104 has an upper edge 108 and lower edge 110, and a first end 118 and a second end 120. A second fastening member 114, such as a hook portion of a hook and loop type fastener such as a Velcro™ strip 124, is attached to the back surface 106 of the first end 118. A chewing surface 116 is attached to the central portion of the upper edge 108 of the neck gaiter 104.

FIGS. 2A and B show front and back views of a neck gaiter embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2A illustrates a front surface 102 of a neck gaiter 104. The neck gaiter 104 has an upper edge 108 and lower edge 110, and a first end 118 and a second end 120. A first fastening member 112, such as a male section of a popper 204, is attached to the front surface 102 of the first end 118. A chewing surface 116 is attached to the central portion of the upper edge 108 of the neck gaiter 104. In this embodiment the chewing surface 116 is shown as having a textured surface 202.

FIG. 2B illustrates a back surface 106 of a neck gaiter 104. The neck gaiter 104 has an upper edge 108 and lower edge 110, and a first end 118 and a second end 120. A second fastening member 114, such as a female section of a popper 206, is attached to the back surface 106 of the first end 118. A chewing surface 116 is attached to the central portion of the upper edge 108 of the neck gaiter 104.

FIGS. 3A and B show front and back views of a neck gaiter embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3A illustrates a front surface 102 of a neck gaiter 104. The neck gaiter 104 has an upper edge 108 and lower edge 110, and a first end 118 and a second end 120. A first fastening member 112, such as a loop/eye portion of a hook and loop/eye fastener, is attached to the front surface 102 of the first end 118. chewing surface 116 is attached to the central portion of the upper edge 108 of the neck gaiter 104. In this embodiment the chewing surface 116 is shown as having a textured edge. In some embodiments of the invention the chewing or textured edge may comprise a zipper. The zipper 302 is typically plastic and may be in the form of a single exposed surface, or a combined double or zipped surface 308.

FIG. 3B illustrates a back surface 106 of a neck gaiter 104. The neck gaiter 104 has an upper edge 108 and lower edge 110, and a first end 118 and a second end 120. A second fastening member 114, such as a hook portion of a hook and loop/eye fastener, is attached to the back surface 106 of the first end 118. A chewing surface 116 is attached to the central portion of the upper edge 108 of the neck gaiter 104.

FIGS. 4A and B illustrate the making of a prototype neck gaiter 104 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4A shows a type of silicone barbeque glove 404, having a textured silicone 402, that can be used to make an embodiment of the neck gaiter 104.

FIG. 4B shows the typical size of textured silicone chew surface 408 that is suitable to use in the fabrication of the neck gaiter 104. Various different gaiter materials 410, such as cotton, can be used to make the supporting body section of the neck gaiter 104. Similarly, various different first fastening members 112 and second fastening members 114 can be used to secure the neck gaiter 104 around the individual's neck.

FIGS. 5A and B illustrate the construction and typical positioning of the neck gaiter 104 in position on the neck of a wearer,

FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of the construction of a prototype neck gaiter 104 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The gaiter material 410 has been cut and machined to form a supporting body section having an upper edge 108 and a lower edge 110 and a front surface 102 and a back surface 106. A first fastening member 112 and a co-operating second fastening member 114 are attached respectively at the first end 118 and second end 120 of the neck gaiter 104. A section of the textured silicone 402 is then attached to the center of the upper edge 108 of the neck gaiter 104.

FIG. 5B shows the relative positioning of the neck gaiter 104 on the neck of a wearer. The first fastening members 112 and second fastening members 114 (not shown) are positioned such that, when engaged; the chewing textured silicone chew surface 408 is in close proximity to the mouth of the wearer.

FIG. 6 shows the relative dimensions of an embodiment of the invention that is suitably sized to fit 3 to 5 year old individuals.

Dimension A is 6.5″

Dimension B is 6.0″

Dimension C is 6.0″

Dimension D is 3.2″

Dimension E is 1.5″

Dimension F is 4.7″

Dimension G is 12.0″

Dimension H is 0.9″

Angle J is 170°

Angle K is 100°

The above dimensions and angles are merely intended as a guide a representative example of an embodiment of the invention.

In conclusion, various embodiments of the neck gaiter described herein are designed to meet the requirements of children, and some adults, on the Autism Spectrum, or who have Asperger's syndrome, ADHD, or special needs.

The essentially rectangular piece of material that forms the supporting body of the gaiter is a piece of soft and absorbent material having hydrophilic properties and is typically selected from the group consisting of: linen; cotton; rayon; wool; terry toweling; fleece, bamboo fabric; microfiber; plush fabric; hemp; and flannel. The hydrophobic nature of the material aids in absorbing saliva produced by the individual wearing the gaiter.

The ends of the supporting body are releasably connected to each other by means known to those of skill in the field. The releasable connections, or fastening members, can be selected from, but are not limited to, hook and loop-type fastener such as Velcro™, poppers, hook and loop attachments, or elastic or fabric ties. For younger wearers, the fastening members must be easily releasable to prevent the risk of choking.

The chewing surface can be fabricated from a nontoxic, tasteless material that does not degrade or break down during the chewing process. The chewing surface can be made from, but is not limited to, rubber, plastic, silicone, a combination thereof and the like. The chewing surface may comprise a plurality of indentations or protrusions to produce a textured surface. In some embodiments of the invention the chewing or textured edge or surface may comprise a zipper. The zipper is typically plastic and may be in the form of a single exposed surface, or a combined double or zipped surface.

The sizing of the gaiter is designed to fit comfortably around the neck of the wearer, the proportions being selected to position the chewing surface in close proximity to the mouth of the wearer. For children in the 3 to 5 year old age range, the length of the lateral supporting body member may be in the region of 18-20″ and the width in the region of 3-4″. Older children or adults would need the dimensions to be increased.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments described were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention. 

1. A neck gaiter comprising: a supporting body section, said body section consisting of an essentially rectangular piece of material having a back surface, a front surface, an upper edge, a lower edge and opposing first and second ends; a first fastening means attached to said first end of said body section; a second fastening means attached to said second end of said body section; and a chewing surface attached to said upper edge of said body section, wherein positioning of the neck gaiter on a neck of a wearer is such that, the chewing surface is in close proximity to the wearer's mouth.
 2. The neck gaiter of claim 1, wherein said first fastening means is attached to said front surface of said first end of said body section and said second fastening means is attached to said back surface of said second end of said body section.
 3. The neck gaiter of claim 2, wherein said first fastening means and said second fastening means are co-operating pieces of hook and loop fastener.
 4. The neck gaiter of claim 2, wherein said first fastening means and said second fastening means are co-operating pieces of a popper mechanism.
 5. The neck gaiter of claim 2, wherein said first fastening means and said second fastening means are co-operating pieces of a hook and eye mechanism.
 6. The neck gaiter of claim 1, wherein said essentially rectangular piece of material is hydrophilic and selected from the group consisting of: linen; cotton; rayon; wool; terry toweling; fleece, bamboo fabric; microfiber; plush fabric; hemp; flannel; and combinations thereof.
 7. The neck gaiter of claim 1, wherein said chewing surface is selected from the group consisting of: rubber; plastic; silicone; and combinations thereof.
 8. The neck gaiter of claim 1, wherein said chewing surface is smooth.
 9. The neck gaiter of claim 1, wherein said chewing surface is textured.
 10. The neck gaiter of claim 9, wherein said textured surface comprised a plurality of indentations.
 11. The neck gaiter of claim 9, wherein said textured surface comprised a plurality of protrusions.
 12. The neck gaiter of claim 1, wherein said chewing surface comprises a zipper, said zipper may be in the form of a single exposed surface, or a combined double or zipped surface.
 13. A method of making a neck gaiter, said method comprising the steps: cutting an essentially rectangular piece of fabric, said rectangle having opposing edges and opposing ends; attaching a chewing surface to an upper edge of one of said opposing edges; and attaching a means of fastening to said opposing ends, wherein said opposing edges of said rectangular piece of fabric is sized and proportioned to accommodate a neck of a wearer and such that the chewing surface is positioned in close proximity to the wearer's mouth.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein said step of attaching said chewing surface comprises stitching said chewing surface to one of said opposing edges.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein said step of attaching said means of fastening to said opposing ends comprises stitching or gluing cooperating pieces of hook and loop fastener onto said opposing ends.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein said step of attaching said means of fastening to said opposing ends comprises stitching cooperating poppers, or cooperating hooks and loops, onto said opposing ends.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein said step of attaching said means of fastening to said opposing ends comprises stitching or tying cooperating pieces fabric or elastic onto said opposing ends.
 18. The method of claim 13, comprising the additional step of attaching a zipper to said chewing surface, said zipper may be in the form of a single exposed surface, or a combined double or zipped surface.
 19. The method of claim 13, wherein said chewing surface is a zipper, said zipper may be in the form of a single exposed surface, or a combined double or zipped surface.
 20. The method of claim 13, wherein said chewing surface is selected from the group consisting of: rubber; plastic; silicone; and combinations thereof. 